Expert: Bill Finck Jr. - 12/11/2007

Question
QUESTION: I have a cabinet type humidor, with a CigarOasis humidifier & electronic humidistat. The humidor will remain unopened for weeks or a month at a time including summers.  Temp top end was 73 Humidity top end 72% -- avg 65 & 69 respectively.  I smell mold when I open the humidor -- I do not see any, but do smell it. And If I pull a box out, then my hands will smell moldy - again, no visible signs.  Do you think I have a mold problem?   What can I do to improve my humidor?   Thanks.

ANSWER: Jay,
It sounds like the cigars are beginning to develop some mold. When cigars are stored in a slightly over-humidified condition for an extended period they definitely can get musty smelling without actually growing mold on the exterior - I've had the same experience in my own cabinet humidor. A couple of things to do:
1. make sure your humidifier is not set too high - 70 degrees - 70% relative humidity, 72d - 68% RH, 74d - 66%RH...  
2. Turn the humidifier off and leave the door open for a few hours. I've done it and it doesn't hurt the cigars at all - they're not going to dry out very fast, and since it sounds like yours are over-humidified it'll help them if they dry down just a bit and air out some.

Let me know if you have any other questions.
BF

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Bill,  Thanks for getting back to me & the advice, will definately try what you suggest.   I have several boxes in the cabinet and then some cigars in open trays.  Are the cigars in the trays - now trashed, or will they get less musty as they dry out.   The ones in the boxes seem good upon inspection and smell.   Also, should I even go down the road of sanding the inside of the cabinet & trays lightly?   Thanks again.

Answer
Jay,
Before you junk the musty cigars I'd let 'em dry out a bit and try them. You're right, there's a good chance they will have a musty taste, but if the smell is actually superficial and isn't coming from inside the cigars they may be ok. If the cigars are very soft (like very over-humidified and spongy) then they are likely no good. If they are still firm, I think you have a good chance of salvaging them.

As far as the inside of the cabinet, don't sand it, but if you think it has a little mold growing in it or if the musty smell persists put a little vinegar on a clean towel and wipe it out. The vinegar will kill any mold and the smell will dissipate pretty quickly. Just don't over do it - you don't want the wood to get wet, just give it a light wipe.

BF